Art

So, in our house it is a priority to exercise your body...and your mind. Of course my kids are drawn to opposite ends of the spectrum - Lolly is drawn to anything with a ball and Ben can pass hours at his art table. Both of the kids have art at school on Thursdays. It is the reason that Ben bounds out of bed. From Charlotte I usually get a "NOT ART! I haaaaaaaaaaaate art!" To which I of course say - "Lolly, you exercise your body. You must learn to exercise your brain." I then get a "Okay Mommy."

I had a fantastic day with the kids several weeks ago where we went to a ceramic painting place. Not surprisingly, Ben chose a dragon and Charlotte chose a horse. Here are some pictures of Lolly painting her horse and her finished product.




Not long after, I enrolled Ben in an acrylic painting class. The class examined Monet's Waterlilies painting and then worked to create their own version. This was Ben's first time painting on a canvas and he loved the class. His art teacher also was incredibly encouraging and I can't say what a fantastic experience it was for him.

Here is his finished product:


I remember taking art class at the YWCA when I was a kid. I remember walking through the dark, painted cement block halls. Smelling the chlorine from the pool. Playing with charcoals and pastels and the joy I felt from those classes. I also still love being creative and hope that it is a tool my kids take into their lives.